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San Francisco Must-See Attractions and Food for Newbies and Return Visitors

  • bpbaker20
  • 2 hours ago
  • 4 min read
Presidio Tunnel Tops Park
Presidio Tunnel Tops Park

When someone asks me what they should see when they visit San Francisco, it's like asking me


Touristy things (Tier 1)

Best for: Someone who has never been to San Francisco


  • Fisherman's Warf and Pier 39 - Ok probably the most touristy place in SF, but honestly it's still pretty cool. The sea lions on Pier 39 are worth checking out. SF is known for their sourdough so if you're hungry I would try a chowder bread bowl at Boudin at the wharf.

  • Ferry building - lots of great food. Also take the ferry to Sausalito and go to Bar Bocce (bar with an outdoor bocce ball court)

  • Alcatraz - Kind of a must-see in SF.

  • Golden Gate Bridge - if you have a car I would drive over it. They also have the Red and White Fleet boat rides which take you under the bridge which is cooler in my humble opinion. You can also drive up to Hawk Hill on the other side of the bridge for a great view. Keep driving on that road and you'll get some spectacular coastal views. Check out the Point Bonita Lighthouse while you're over there too.

  • Twin Peaks - drive to the top of twin peaks. Some awesome windy roads and a really beautiful view of the city at the top (assuming its not cloudy)

  • The Painted Ladies at Alamo Square - see the beautiful “painted ladies”—a row of Victorian houses—with the city as the backdrop. An iconic view! Alamo Square Park is also a lovely park.

  • Lombard Street - The "most crooked street in the world"...actually i don't think that's true but it's kinda neat looking if you're in the area. Some of my guests were a little underwhelmed by it so I maybe don't break your back to get there.

  • Lands End Trail - if you have time for a 1-2 mile trail then this is my favorite in the city. Doesn't take very long and you get some pretty stellar view of the GG bridge

  • Presidio Tunnel Tops - A new park in the city that has spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, The Palace of Fine Arts, Alcatraz, and downtown! Quickly became one of my favorite parks in the city.

  • Union Square - SF's version of time square, but obviously a lot smaller and not as flashy. Good shopping and food though.

  • Haight/Ashbury - the "hippie" sector of town. Check out all of the funky thrift shops and other weird stores including the "love in death" shop.

  • Billionaire's Row - at Lyon and Broadway.

  • Go to The Mission for a burrito (La Taqueria and El Farolito are some of the best)

  • Cable Car Museum

  • Grand View Park has a gorgeous view of the city (if you're in the area)


Touristy Things (Tier 2)

Best for: Someone who visited SF once or twice before


  • Walk around these neighborhoods (Check Google Maps for the beige areas)

    • North Beach - Italian neighborhood

    • Hayes Valley - good clothes shopping here! Great restaurants and an outdoor beer garden. Tons of wine bars too.

    • The Mission (Valencia St) - trendy and some of the best food in the city (Mexican and otherwise)

    • Lower Haight - Toranado and Noc Noc are two must-see bars for beer. 

    • Cow Hollow (Union St and Chestnut St)

    • Fillmore St

    • The Richmond (Clement St)

  • Lands End Trail - if you have time for a 1-2 mile trail then this is my favoritein the city. Doesn't take very long and you get some pretty stellar view of the GG bridge. Start at 32nd and El Camino Del Mar and end at the Sutro Baths

  • SFMOMA - excellent museum for modern art. The building itself is worth a visit

  • The Exploratorium - (fun for adults) or the Nightlife at Cal Academy (thurs nights only)

  • Alamo Drafthouse (if you’re a movie fan)

  • Angel Island Tiburon sunset cruise - bring your own wine, cheese and snacks!

  • Cross the GG and go to Murray Circle for brunch (sit on the front porch)

  • Alamo Square Park and then walk Divisadero

  • Giants game (if it's during the baseball season)

  • Treasure Island - wine and bocce ball

  • Good jazz - Mr. Tipple's Jazz Club, Black Cat, Dawn Club

  • Go to the Farmer's Market at Fort Mason and then Radhaus afterward


Everything else (Tier 3)

Best for: Someone who has been to SF many times and is looking for something new


Best Cocktail Bars

  • PCH

  • Trick Dog

  • True Laurel

  • Last Rites

  • The Interval

  • Bourbon and Branch

  • Buddy

  • Local Edition


Best Beer Bars

  • Toronado

  • Holy Water

  • Crafty Fox

  • Liquid Gold

  • The Beer Hall

  • Radhaus


Best Wine Bars

  • Arcana

  • 20 Spot

  • Bar Part Time

  • Key Klub

  • Arbor/Arlequin Wine Merchant - Sit on the back patio!

  • Big Finish Wine Tavern


Bakeries

  • Tartine Manufactory

  • Arsicault Bakery

  • LOQUAT - excellent babkas

  • B. Patisserie

  • Arizmendi Bakery

  • Schlok’s or Boichik for bagels


Parks

  • Dolores Park - this is where everyone hangs out on the weekend. If you're in the mood for ice cream you should absolutely try Bi-Rite Ice Cream!!

  • Presidio Tunnel Tops

  • Sunset Dunes (NEW) - stroll on what once was a highway and is now a pedestrian walk-way with cool little murals and outdoor structures

  • Golden Gate Park - Academy of Sciences, deYoung Museum, Japenese Tea Garden or just walk around and explore!

  • Alamo Square Park - chill out with wine and stare at the city before you!

  • Crissy Field

  • Deboce Park


Hodge-podge of other fun stuff

  • Salt & Straw - Portland-based brand. Life-changing ice cream

  • Tiburon boat picnic cruise

  • Giants game (if in baseball season)

  • Treasure Island Wine and Bocce

  • Picnic in Dolores Park

  • Angel Island wineries and breweries

  • Emporium Arcade Bar


Just Outside San Francisco


  • Visit Berkeley or Oakland

  • Go wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma

  • Muir Woods hike

  • Cruise the coast

  • Santa Cruz/Capitola


 
 
 

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